Detecting QTL and Candidate Genes for Plant Height in Soybean via Linkage Analysis and GWAS

Soybean is an important global crop for edible protein and oil, and plant height is a main breeding goal which is closely related to its plant shape and yield. In this research, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed by 1996 SNP-bin markers on the basis of a recombinant inbred line population derived from Dongnong L13 x Henong 60. A total of 33 QTL related to plant height were identified, of which five were repeatedly detected in multiple environments. In addition, a 455-germplasm population with 63,306 SNP markers was used for multi-locus association analysis. A total of 62 plant height QTN were detected, of which 26 were detected repeatedly under multiple methods. Two candidate genes, Glyma.02G133000 and Glyma.05G240600, involving in plant height were predicted by pathway analysis in the regions identified by multiple environments and backgrounds, and validated by qRT-PCR. These results enriched the soybean plant height regulatory network and contributed to molecular selection-assisted breeding.

Automated summary

In this research, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed to identify QTL related to plant height in soybean. A total of 33 QTL were identified, with 5 of them repeatedly detected in multiple environments. Furthermore, multi-locus association analysis detected 62 plant height QTN, with 26 of them repeatedly detected under multiple methods. Pathway analysis and qRT-PCR validation identified two candidate genes involved in plant height regulation. These findings contribute to molecular selection-assisted breeding in soybean.